Side Spin Serve

Abhinav Raje Asked 16 years ago

i would like thank you for informative videos. IT has really hepled to improve my game especially the topspin.

I would like to ask you how to return the side spin serve on the forhand and backhand. Whenever i try to block the serve it goes outside the table after touching on my racket.

Alois Rosario Answered 16 years ago

Hi Abhinav,

The main idea with returning sidespin serves is to use your bat like a rudder.  Don't try to spin the ball back, but rather angle the bat so that the ball goes back onto the table. 

If you try to spin the ball back it all gets a bit messy and difficult.  Keep things simple.  If the ball is going off to the right, just angle your bat to point to the left.  Let the ball hit your bat now and see where it goes.  It should go a little straighter towards the table if you have the angle right.  If not keep adjusting your angle. 

Of course in a game situation it is a little late to be doing this.  That is why you need to find lots of different players to practice with so that you get a variety of serves to face and so you get used to all sorts of spins.

Remember this is a slow process.  Be patient, if you can...